Glacier National Park vs Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

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Glacier National Park vs Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich cultural history. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.

Glacier National Park is a true gem of the American West. With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and glaciers that have been carved by centuries of snow and ice, this park is a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can explore a wide range of trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a window into the fiery heart of the Hawaiian Islands. The park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. Visitors can hike through ancient lava flows, witness the creation of new land, and marvel at the power of nature.

In this article, we’ll compare these two parks, highlighting the best things to see and do in each. Whether you prefer towering peaks, pristine lakes, or fiery volcanoes, there’s something for everyone in these two amazing parks. So, buckle up and let’s embark on a journey to discover Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!

Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park both offer breathtaking hiking trails, each with their own unique challenges and breathtaking views. In Glacier National Park, the easier hikes include the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Lake Trail. Both offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes, and are relatively easy to hike. On the other hand, the hardest hikes in Glacier National Park include the Highline Trail and the Granite Park Trail which offer challenging terrain and steep inclines.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The easiest hike is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile hike through a lush rainforest that leads to the crater of the Kīlauea volcano. The hardest hike in the park is the Mauna Loa Trail, a 13-mile hike that rises to the summit of the Mauna Loa volcano. This hike is not for the faint of heart and requires a high level of physical fitness. Both trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but the Mauna Loa Trail is particularly breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Pacific Ocean.

In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Grinnell Glacier Trail 18185.542 658.9776 Hard out and back 5
Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars 9173.238 227.9904 Moderate out and back 4.5
Iceberg Lake Trail 14966.862 441.96 Moderate out and back 5
Hidden Lake Trail 8529.502 418.7952 Moderate out and back 4.5
Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet 23979.166 785.7744 Hard out and back 5
St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail 4667.086 137.7696 Easy out and back 4.5
Hidden Lake Overlook 4506.152 176.784 Moderate out and back 4.5
Cracker Lake Trail 19312.08 502.92 Moderate out and back 4.5
Trail of the Cedars 1287.472 10.9728 Easy loop 4.5
The Garden Wall 23657.298 1068.9336 Hard out and back 5

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail 4828.02 209.7024 Moderate loop 4.5
Kalapana Lava Viewing 15288.73 196.9008 Easy out and back 4.5
Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail 4023.35 94.7928 Moderate out and back 4.5
Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks 2092.142 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail 1931.208 25.908 Moderate out and back 4
Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail 20760.486 905.8656 Very Hard out and back 4.5
Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook 1609.34 37.7952 Easy out and back 3.5
End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing 16576.202 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4
Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail 1931.208 13.716 Moderate loop 4
Halema’uma’u Trail 2735.878 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are vastly different in terms of their geography, climate and wildlife. Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is characterized by its glaciers, alpine meadows and rugged peaks. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and features volcanic landscapes, with active and dormant volcanoes, lush rainforests, and unique endemic species.

In terms of wildlife, Glacier National Park is home to a variety of mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors to the park can also spot a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park also boasts a rich variety of wildflowers and other vegetation, including wild roses, lupines, and fireweeds.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, much of which is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the most commonly seen wildlife species in the park include Hawaiian nene geese, Hawaiian honeycreepers, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. Visitors to the park can also spot a variety of exotic plants and trees, including Ohia lehua, koa, and hala.

In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, each unique to its respective region. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic mammals, exotic birds, or rare vegetation, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Northern Harrier Canada Goose
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Great Blue Heron
Osprey Rock Pigeon
Tree Swallow House Sparrow
Mallard Northern Mockingbird
Canada Goose Black-Crowned Night-Heron
Lincoln’s Sparrow Wild Turkey
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Barn Owl
American Robin Cattle Egret
Great Horned Owl Sanderling
Red-Tailed Hawk Ring-Necked Pheasant
Northern Flicker Chukar
Merlin Ruddy Turnstone
Barn Swallow Northern Cardinal
Savannah Sparrow California Quail
Great Blue Heron
Hermit Thrush
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
European Starling
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Coyote House Mouse
American Beaver Norway Rat
Muskrat ‘Iole
Big Brown Bat Domestic Cattle
Bobcat Feral Hog
Striped Skunk
Little Brown Bat
Deer Mouse
Raccoon
Black Bear
Porcupine
Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat
Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel
Mountain Lion
Mink
Mule Deer
Gray Wolf
Long-Legged Bat
Long-Eared Bat
Badger
Short-Tailed Weasel
California Myotis
Snowshoe Hare

Fish

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Longnose Sucker
Fathead Minnow
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Burbot
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Sockeye Salmon
Arctic Grayling

Reptiles

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake
Rubber Boa

Amphibians

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Bullfrog

Insects

Glacier National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Cabbage White
Honey Bee

Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can take scenic drives, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, to see the park’s famous landscapes, including the Grinnell Glacier, Mount Gould and the Continental Divide. The park is also home to over 70 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the big island of Hawaii, showcases the island’s active volcanic landscape. The park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can take a hike to the Kilauea caldera and see steam vents and sulfuric fumes. Or they can drive to the Jaggar Museum and witness the glow of Kilauea’s lava lake at night. The park also offers a diverse range of landscapes, including lush rainforests, deserts and subalpine forests.

Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore, but each park has its own set of popular activities.

At Glacier National Park, visitors can explore the stunning Rocky Mountains and go on scenic drives, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity at Glacier, with visitors often spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Visitors can explore the park’s volcanic landscapes and see the active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails, including the popular Kīlauea Iki trail, which takes visitors through the park’s volcanic landscapes. In addition to hiking and exploring the park, visitors can also attend ranger-led programs and visit the park’s cultural centers to learn about Hawaiian culture and history.

In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore and a variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, or learning about local culture, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its extreme weather conditions with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to hot in the summer. During the winter, the park is blanketed in snow, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Summer is the warmest season with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s and is the best time for hiking and exploring the park’s many scenic trails.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a more tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s year-round. Despite its tropical location, the park experiences frequent rainfall, especially during the winter months, when heavy rain and strong winds can impact visitor activities. Summer is the driest season, making it the best time to visit for those who want to hike, explore the park’s features, and avoid the rain.

In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique weather experiences, and the best time to visit each park is largely dependent on the type of activities visitors are interested in pursuing. Whether you’re looking to enjoy winter sports, hike, or simply avoid the rain, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning your trip.

Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular national parks that are great for families. However, they offer different experiences and amenities, making one better suited for families with children than the other.

Glacier National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. There are many scenic drives, hiking trails, and boat tours available for families to enjoy. However, the park is at a high elevation, which can make it difficult for young children and those with limited mobility. Additionally, many of the trails are strenuous, making them less suitable for younger children.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located at a lower elevation and is more accessible for families with young children. The park offers many educational opportunities, including ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits. There are also shorter, easier hikes suitable for families, as well as scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.

In terms of family-friendliness, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. The park’s lower elevation and accessibility, combined with its educational opportunities, make it a great choice for families looking to experience the beauty of a national park while also keeping their children engaged and interested.

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